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University of Southeastern Norway Exchange

A shining blue lake at the base of several mountains.
A person stands in front of a lake with the "finger W" pose, surrounded by mountains that are glowing in the sunset.

Applications for this exchange program are currently closed due to an imbalance in student participation between UW–Madison and our partner university. We will reopen applications once spaces become available.

Norway, Bo

Experience Norwegian culture while studying at the University of Southeastern Norway (USN) in Bø, Norway. Students have the option to participate in one of five programs for international students: Scandinavian Studies in Telemark; Outdoor Leadership, Culture, and Ecophilosophy; Nordic Backcountry Skiing and Outdoor Leadership; International Tourism and Innovation; and Business Administration for Exchange Students. Because of the small class sizes and small-school atmosphere, students can benefit from an intercultural Scandinavian experience through engagement in class sessions, guided field trips, campus activities and student dorm life.

A two-hour train ride southwest of Oslo, the town of Bø is centrally located in Telemark and southern Norway. The university campus is located in the heart of the community, within walking distance of student housing, stores, and the train station. With only 5,000 residents and nearby beautiful rivers and canals, small industrial towns, and wild mountains, Bø is an attractive choice for students seeking an intimate Norwegian community and a spectacular natural environment.

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

  • Strengthen language skills
  • Navigate new educational systems, as well as new learning and teaching styles
  • Take advantage of academic strengths in:
    -Environmental Sciences
    -Scandinavian Studies
    -Sustainability
  • Observe Norwegian perspectives on academic disciplines

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Previous Norwegian language study recommended but not required
  • Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

Exchange & Direct Enroll

Subjects

Arts, humanities, social sciences

Classroom Language

English, Norwegian

Housing

Residence Hall

Program Duration

Academic Year: Mid August - Late June
Fall: Mid August - Mid December
Spring: Early January - Late June

Application Deadline(s)

Year 2026-27 - [Suspended] 2/20/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 - [Suspended] 9/4/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

My study abroad experience expanded my ideas about my career goals and helped create a clearer picture of what exactly I want to do. Thanks to this program, I have grown as an individual, appreciate nature even more and want to take that appreciation into a career that will protect our environment. I only have good things to say about my experience.

- Rebecca R.

USN is a fully accredited university in Norway. The campus in Bø is home to about 1,500 students, with over 100 international students from over 40 different countries.

Students have the option to participate in one of five programs for international students*:

  • Scandinavian Studies program is based in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and provides a deeper understanding of Telemark and Norway today

  • Outdoor Leadership, Culture and Ecophilosophy program develops a students' knowledge of biology, ecology and environmental management in Scandinavia** 

  • Nordic Backcountry Skiing and Outdoor Leadership program provides students with basic practical skills in a variety of Norwegian natural environments**

  • Business Administration program provides students with insight into the social and ethical aspects of business studies

  • International Tourism and Innovation program explores how tourism contributes to innovative local, regional and national development strategies as well as issues of sustainability.

Courses are taught in English with many classes open to both international and Norwegian students. Students with advanced-level Norwegian language have the option of taking additional courses taught in Norwegian. Teaching methods alternate between lectures, group work, seminars, tutoring, field work, and independent study.

*Students can only take courses associated with their track and cannot take courses across tracks. 

** Students interested in these friluftsliv tracks should be prepared for overnight outdoor excursions and physical experiential activities throughout the course

Please check the USN website to confirm which tracks are offered in the upcoming durations.

Affiliate Institution(s)

University College of Southeast Norway

Foreign Courses

Study Programs

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents